Friday, February 17, 2012

Would England strike again or Pakistan would rebound? This is the question every cricket fan is asking both in Pakistan and England today.

The euphoria of the 3:0 test win over England and much trumpeted whitewash notion seems to have now turned into a nightmare for Pakistan who have by now lost both ODI of a 4-ODI series at the hands of rebounding England. Although the winning margin of England is reduced from 130 (first ODI) to 20 runs (2nd ODI), the Cook-Finn combination has maintained their winning pressure on Pakistan in both ODIs and have been the winning combination.

The Danger Men from England: Cook - Finn - Bopara

While Cook struck massively and scored impressive 102 runs, this being his consecutive 2nd hundred - Bopara added supportive 58 in the 2nd ODI at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on 15 February 2012. Pakistan's spinner this time failed to contain the Brits and no meaningful bowling results could be attributed to Pakistan spinners.

On the other hand Finn again struck the Pakistani squad and dismantled four for 34. Misbah was the only Pakistani batsman who neared 50 and was back to pavilion for 47. Much to the annoyance of the fans, Shahid afridi could not BOOM BOMM and was packed up at 18.

The likely 'Difference Makers': Afridi - Misbah - Ajmal

Now that Pakistan meets England again on Saturday 18 Feb 2012 at Dubai, Pakistan needs to address its weak fielding and batting. The top order batsmen need to be in control right from the start and bowlers, who seems to have run out of their steam need to invigorate it to strike back the Englishmen. While England seems to be well poised fr a third victory over Pakistan with the present arrangements, Bopara cautions for a hitting back by Pakistan - but would Pakistan? That is a million dollar question.

In the third ODI on 18 february at Dubai, much of the onus lies on Misbah and Younus and to an extent on Shahid Afridi, if he strikes well. Saeed Ajmal and A Rehman would have strike back as they did in the first ODI and in the test matches.

It is also to be seen whether the change of pitch from Abu Dhabi to Dubai makes any meaningful difference to Pakistan or not.